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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin State Assembly passed a resolution on Tuesday honoring former Green Bay Packers QB Bart Starr for his contributions over the years.

The resolution begins:

1Relating to: contributions of Bart Starr.2Whereas, Bryan Bartlett “Bart” Starr became a legend within the state of3Wisconsin, not only through his unprecedented skills and accomplishments on the4football field, but through his extraordinary charitable contributions and his5remarkable role in multiple organizations throughout Wisconsin;

The 81-year-old Hall of Famer was not present for the honor, but Rep. Warren Petryk (R-Eleva) wore a No. 15 Packers jersey as he read a letter from Bart’s wife, Cherry, thanking the state for the honor and saying his heart still lives in Wisconsin.

As part of the ongoing development of the “Titletown district” in the shadows of Lambeau Field, Bart Starr Drive will be extended south in the coming months, ultimately connecting Lombardi and Potts avenues in the area just a few blocks east of the stadium.

A dedication and groundbreaking ceremony for the road’s extension was held on Wednesday at the spot on Potts Ave. that will eventually mark the new end of Bart Starr Drive. Bart and Cherry Starr were on hand, along with a number of local public officials, for the ceremony.

“It’s still forming and transforming,” Ashwaubenon village president Mike Aubinger said of the Titletown district. “The recent addition and renovation of Lambeau Field shows that. Lambeau Field is such a great economic driver in this community, and the Starrs put their heart in that economic driver.”

Bart Starr Drive currently runs from Lombardi Ave. south to Tony Canadeo Run, in an area that is also accessed via roads named Holmgren Way, Brett Favre Pass and Reggie White Way. The extension to Potts Ave. is expected to increase economic development and activity in the area, with one local business — L.P. Mooradian, a flooring company that has served the community for decades — already committed to relocating to what will become the intersection of Potts Ave. and Bart Starr Drive.

With the road’s extension taking it from the city of Green Bay into the village of Ashwaubenon, officials from both municipalities joked about needing to put political differences aside and work together. On a more serious note, they noted it’s collaboration amongst themselves and Brown County that will help to maximize on the area’s potential.

“This is the type of cooperation we need to develop the Titletown district into an area that can contribute to a growing and vibrant economy,” said Ed Policy, Packers vice president and general counsel, who represented the organization at the event.

As for Starr, who was in Milwaukee on Tuesday night at QB Aaron Rodgers’ MACC Fund charity event, he was treated to the usual stories of those who remember his playing days. Aubinger talked about watching Starr practice during training camp while his older brother’s bike was ridden by Starr’s teammates. Policy mentioned growing up in Ohio with a Super Bowl I MVP poster of Starr on his bedroom wall. Even Tony Canadeo Jr., son of the Packers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, was flattered his father’s street would now mark an official intersection with Bart Starr Drive.

Starr took it all in with his trademark smile as he and Cherry were presented with an official street sign. Cherry noted how it always feels like they’ve “come home” when they visit Green Bay, and Starr of course agreed.

“This has been the greatest experience in our lives, living here and playing here,” Starr said. “It truly has been a bonus that we’ll never come close to matching.”